GregBailey

City manager plans do nothing but remove power from the people and place it into the hands of "the expert," who would likely be funded by a few powerful individuals. So instead of consolidating power, let's work to educate the population in order to have the power properly deconsolidated to the people where it should belong.

Suttle

A city manager form of government is a good idea. It works well with those cities that have adopted such an administration. It does take some of the politics out of the city government. Giving the city manager power to hire and fire is also a good idea and has merit. Parkersburg would be better managed under the city manager form of government.

vortex

Once again here is a Peasant that doesn’t know his roll. What King Pothole Bob says is the law of the land. If Mr. Smith insists on disagreeing with King Pothole he will no longer be welcome at the lunch table with him and perhaps Jody could take his job.

WVKristy

Concept sounds good on paper. But hair on back of my neck stood up when I read this. Especially parts about power-hungry city council walking all over city manager and public having no say if unhappy with performance. I like Newell, but sounds self-serving. Trying to create job for himself after he leaves office? Hmmm.